David Kaufman, MD

Bio

I was born and raised in the Midwest, living predominately in southwestern lower Michigan. I graduated from high school in Grand Rapids.

My parents and many members of my extended family are or were teachers. Interestingly, one possible origin of the word 'doctor' is from the Latin, 'docere' which means to teach.

My interest in medicine came from a desire to help people combined with an interest in biology and science. Diagnostic Radiology appeals to me because it combines medicine with physics and computer technology. During medical school I discovered an ability for and interest in invasive procedures.

My practice with Kaiser Permanente in Santa Rosa provides an environment that strongly encourages preventative medicine and provides greater social and emotional support for members as well as patients. I believe the most powerful medicine is preventative - if we can stop a dreaded disease from occurring, instead of trying to fix it after it occurs, our members are much better off.

After finishing medical training, I practiced in Defiance, Ohio for 3 years and then in Muskegon, Michigan, for 5 years.

We moved with our young son to Santa Rosa to join Kaiser Permanente in June, 2005. We are thrilled by the scenery of Northern California and look forward to many explorations of our new State.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

Medical Imaging is the science of looking inside people's bodies to gain a better understanding of why they're sick. It was originally limited primarily to x-rays, which show bones well. Now with Nuclear Medicine, Computerized Tomography (CT), Ultrasound, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), most of the body is well-seen. Nuclear Medicine primarily images the function of organs.

Radiologists are doctors whose training and practice is specifically in identifying and characterizing disease that can be seen on these studies. Interventional Radiology uses these advanced imaging tools to guide needles or small catheters, to obtain tissue specimens (biopsies) or perform angiograms (images of blood vessels). Although radiology usually involves caring for those who are already sick, one area, Mammography, represents powerful preventative care.

Taking a 5-year break from college, I worked different jobs, including life insurance sales. I found helping people by providing financial guidance very rewarding, but, having to sell something to make a living, troublesome. My interest in science and the need to accomplish a common good led me to medical school. My interest in medical imaging arose during medical school when I realized that I liked both anatomy and advanced technology, including computers. My interest in interventional radiology came from the immediate reward of helping someone directly with my hands.

After practicing in the Midwest for 8 years, I became interested in a more comprehensive approach to patient care, where patient's needs are met regardless of reimbursement. As a new physician at Kaiser Permanente, I am very impressed by our ability to coordinate care through a large number of providers, including non-physicians, such as nutritionists. We can truly promote health and well-being, not just care for the sick. Although the scope of my practice is quite specialized, I believe that preventative care is the best medicine. Another application of computers in medicine, unrelated to imaging, is maximized at Kaiser Permanente where a very large number of providers, in many facilities over a large area, can share information. Critical data related to patient care, such as drug allergies and current medications, is readily available to physicians.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mammography

Interests

Currently reading:
Mind Hacks, Tips & Tools for Using Your Brain, by Tom Stafford and Matt Webb

My favorite book or author:
Finding Fault in California, an Earthquake Tourists Guide, by Susan Elizabeth Hough; Intuition, Its Powers and Perils, by David G. Myers

Hobby Photos & Links:

Warming Up for the 2003 Muskegon Michigan Seaway Run

Family & Friends

People in my life:

My wife and I were married in 1991. She has a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Non-Profit Management and has worked for many non-profit causes, including the United Way.

My children and people I care about:

I have a son finishing elementary school, and two older children in college in Michigan. I also have two siblings in Michigan, and my parents and extended family live in the Midwest.

An interesting story about my family or friends:

My wife and I are both natives of the Midwest. Our families are both of German origin, although a few generations back. My ancestors settled in Canada, then over a few generations moved south to southwestern Michigan. Her family originally settled in Wisconsin.

Two highly entertaining cats, Tigger and Socks.

Travel

Favorite place in the world:

Since our son was born, our family has made trips to Disney World, and in Michigan, we have enjoyed car trips around the Lower and Upper Peninsula.

One of my recent trips:

In August of 2005, my wife, young son and I drove up the California coast into Oregon and down Interstate 5 to explore a portion of our new state. Driving up the coast, we stayed in Mendocino and Eureka. We stopped to see the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens near Ft. Bragg. The gardens and rugged coastline are stunningly beautiful. We took many pictures of the giant redwood trees. The fact that some of these trees are a thousand or more years old is amazing. The deep dark forests really do seem primeval. It was easy for the three of us to imagine a Brontosaurus or T. Rex passing out from behind some trees.

In Eureka we rode the 95-year-old ferry boat, Madaket, on Humboldt Bay.

Driving south from Grant's Pass, Oregon, we stayed in Redding, after driving partway up Mt. Shasta. The mountain is breathtaking, particularly coming from the relatively flat Midwest.

We also toured Shasta Dam, which was very interesting to me. In Michigan there are vast amounts of readily available fresh water everywhere; there is no need for big public works projects to obtain water. The extensive dam system to control flooding and meter out fresh water as needed is fascinating and ingenious. We also toured Lake Shasta Caverns after the boat ride across Shasta Lake and the bus ride up the hill. I'm starting to get used to being on the edges of cliffs hundreds of feet high.

We're finding our new home fascinating and endlessly beautiful.

Trip Photos:

Family Photo in Lake Shasta Caverns

Mt. Shasta

Sunlight Through Clouds in the Redwoods, Northern California Coast

The Madaket